Should I ask for a PET scan with suspicious lung spots after cancer?

Communities›Renal Cell (Kidney) Cancer›Should I ask for a PET scan with suspicious lung spots after cancer?

CH

Community Member

3 months ago

I survived breast cancer 5 years ago. 8 chemo treatments followed by 8 weeks of radiation. So far, it hasn't come back. They recently discovered a mass on my kidney during an MRI of my lower back. Having partial(and possibly total nephrectomy) October 6. During my surgical prescreening, I had a lung CT scan. Two "suspicious" spots were discovered. My question is regarding PET Scans. I have never had a PET Scan. How many have you had? Is this something I should insist on?

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Accepted Answer

Many cancer patients and their medical teams consider PET scans when suspicious spots are found, as they can help distinguish between benign and malignant tissue by showing metabolic activity. This decision typically depends on factors like the size and characteristics of the spots, along with your specific medical history and treatment plan. It's completely reasonable to discuss this option with your oncology team - they can explain whether a PET scan would provide helpful information in your particular situation and how it might influence your treatment decisions.

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•O

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi Christine, A PET scan won’t be ordered unless they suspect that mass and those spots are cancer. Has anyone gone over your MRI and CT scans with you yet? Do you still see your breast medical oncologist? If you do I feel like that is a great person to ask. Keep us posted! 💛 Suzanne (Community Moderator)

CH

Community Member

3 months ago

No one has gone over any MRI or CT scans. My urologist ordered the CT Lung screening. He didn't even call me with the results. He sent me an email basically saying they found 2 suspicious spots, but nephrectomy was going to continue as scheduled. I'm at a loss as to what to do now.

1

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Many cancer patients and their medical teams consider PET scans when suspicious spots are found, as they can help distinguish between benign and malignant tissue by showing metabolic activity. This decision typically depends on factors like the size and characteristics of the spots, along with your specific medical history and treatment plan. It's completely reasonable to discuss this option with your oncology team - they can explain whether a PET scan would provide helpful information in your particular situation and how it might influence your treatment decisions.

KD

Community Member

23 days ago

My name is Kimberly behave on.I wanted to ask if you also have renal cells sarcoma , because I have sores on my breath , and I know that you can get breast cancer with a renal cell sarcoma , but I read that it's rare thank you

Should I ask for a PET scan with suspicious lung spots after cancer?

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